As we come to the close of another decade of film, it becomes time to reflect on the best that has been produced each year. As we look back upon the last ten years there is an array of incredible films that are worth remembering for years to come. We have seen a shift in style, tone, production and style of direction. We have seen genres fall and rise, and cinema has changed in so many ways, for the best or not it is still to see – although some people in the industry, including a certain Martin Scorsese, have very strong opinions on the state of the film industry – but it is clear that the decade has provided a list of films that will stand the test of time and showcase the brilliance of the film industry. Here is a year by year recap of last ten years of film.
2010
3. Four Lions
A British Cult Classic. An iconic satire that is hugely entertaining and provides a vital reflection on our modern society and our views on religion and terrorism. Christopher Morris’ directorial debut provides more than just a dark comedy, it also provides a great reflection of our society and the lives of Muslim people in Western society and remains relevant to this day.
2. The Social Network
A writer and director both at the peak of their powers. Sorkin and Fincher – writer and director respectively – create a masterful film both in their own unique ways. A filmmaking masterpiece that explores the past decade through the life of one of the most important and influential men of this period. It is witty, exciting while remaining poignant and perceptive
1. Inception
Christopher Nolan created here a modern Hollywood masterpiece. Off the back of the success of The Dark Knight, Nolan was given his first chance of fulfilling one of his bold ideas with a huge financial backing. He became a leader of modern directors in his ability to be a box office hit, whilst creating smart and challenging films. An exploration of reality and the idea of our dreams. It is incredibly well-written, and features some of Nolan’s best directorial work to date. Starting off the decade in the best way possible.
Honourable mentions: Shutter Island, Kick-Ass.
2011
3 – Drive
Mixing great visuals, sound and acting, Drive is art-house cinema at its finest. Danish director Nicholas Winding crafts a film that quietly but effectively shows the growth of a relationship and the graphic violence that comes from it, intertwining the two with expert skill. The film knows its place and does not try to make the action any more than it should be, with great performances and a director in control of his craft, Drive is a unique and quietly brilliant film.
2 – The Tree of Life
Terrence Malik’s epic film took several years to develop, missing two release dates, but in the end, the final product was well worth it. An exploration of humans place on earth, our actions and how we came to be where we are today. Malik uses the lives of a handful of people in America to intertwine with the creation of life as we know it, and how they are so similar. It is a film that explores mankind’s place here on Earth, and does so in astonishing ways.
1 – We Need To Talk About Kevin
The adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s 2003 novel of the same name, with Lynne Ramsey at the helm, provides a view on the aftermath of what happens to good parents with bad children. The effect that a child, who cannot be punished, has upon his mother who takes the blame. A brilliantly effective portrayal of sexism and feminism in our modern world, and the effect a man can have on a woman’s life and everything she has worked towards. Lynne Ramsey uses the subject material to create a film that works on many levels, from a psychological thriller to a tale of a mother trying to earn the love of her son and prevent him from ruining her life as well as his own.
Honourable mentions: The Artist, Melancholia
2012
3 – Seven Psychopaths
Martin McDonagh’s follow up to In Bruges is a character centred film that provides commentary on the film industry and plays heavily on stereotypes and clichés of modern films. The screenplay is the driving force here, giving the cast, with talents such as Christopher Walken, Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson, all the chances possible to showcase their acting ability. A film that is able to walk the line between self-parody and over criticism of the film industry, and to brilliant effect. Martin McDonagh showed he is a talented writer and director with an ability to write a highly entertaining screenplay and direct it to great effect.
2 – Django Unchained
Quentin Tarantino’s highly anticipated, highly controversial (is there any surprise in that?) seventh film was met with both criticism and acclaim. Concerns about the language used, the violence and the way the subject was portrayed simply sum up Tarantino’s career. A vastly entertaining film that ridicules the slave trade, and creates a unique portrayal of the history of African Americans, turning Django into a hero, killing as many slave owners as possible in the process. From the impressive cinematography to the incredible acting and screenplay, it is just another massive accomplishment in the career of one of the most acclaimed directors of all time.
1 – The Master
Paul Thomas Anderson added to his already glowing repertoire with a captivating film that reveals as much and as little as Anderson chooses to, exploring father-son relationships, master-apprentice relationships and people’s attempts to find their place in society. Masterfully acted with career best performances from Joaquin Phoenix, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams, supported by an encapsulating score by Johnny Greenwood it is Paul Thomas Anderson at his absolute best.
Honourable Mentions: The Dark Knight Rises, Argo
2013
3 – Inside Llewyn Davis
The Coen Brothers find themselves in fine form in this film. Exploring a struggling folk musician in the 1990’s they manage to portray the experience of artists who refuse to compromise their craft, balancing both a hugely funny and entertaining film, that also exudes a feeling of melancholy. Voted the 11th best film of the century by the BBC, Inside Llewyn Davis is a great exploration of what life is like for many people out there, and Oscar Isaac manages to brilliantly create an easily watchable lead character, that shouldn’t be so appealing.
2 – Blue is the Warmest Colour
Recently 2019’s Parasite became the first unanimous winner of the Palme D’or since Blue is the Warmest Colour, and that is exactly the level this film is. An achingly beautiful film that is filled with elegant and absorbing drama from the very start. Supported by two incredible lead performances this is a powerful film that conveys with convictions and almost complete realism the emotion and heartbreak that many experience throughout their lives.
1 – Her
Spike Jonze’s film works on so many levels, as a character study, as an exploration of modern relationships and as a gag on modern society. It’s easy to see this is a joke film, but it is much more than that, it is a genuine exploration of relationships in modern society and a great, and unique, portrayal of modern relationships. Spearheaded by a solo on-screen performance by the incredible Joaquin Phoenix, who is only just beginning to receive the mainstream acclaim that he deserves, however, there is also a hugely important supporting voice role provided by Scarlett Johansson as Samantha, the AI system that becomes the love interest, as she manages to portray genuine emotion and create a real relationship without ever stepping foot on screen.
Honourable mentions: The Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years A Slave
2014
3 – Frank
Kicking off my, by far, favourite year of film in the decade is Frank. Michael Fassbender famously hiding behind a huge helmet may have gained attention as a gimmick, but take nothing away from this hugely entertaining and poignant film. A great screenplay supported by a stellar cast, and a superb performance from Fassbender, who steals the show even without ever showing his face. An irreverent film that balances the line between strange and experimental.
2 – Whiplash
A tour-de-force of a film that showed the film industry that Damian Chazelle is a talent to be reckoned with. Whiplash portrays the relationship between a budding musician and his teacher in a way that resembles a battleground, intense and well-acted with incredible performance from Miles Teller and J.K Simmons – the latter especially, Whiplash is an absolute thrill of a film, and features one of the best soundtracks in recent times.
1 – Interstellar
Christopher Nolan’s best film to date, which, upon release, received mixed reviews from some critics, but since its release it has become a classic with fans and critics alike and is one of the most – if not the most – iconic films of the decade. Filled with incredible practical effects, superb acting performances and a story that is both filled with realism and sci-fi entertainment, Interstellar is the crowning glory of a director who has led the way for modern cinema and continues to break new ground.
Honourable Mentions: Birdman, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Nightcrawler, The Babadook – an incredible year of film, and the majority of these films would’ve made it into the top 3 in every other year on the list.
At The Movies 